Viral infections and pregnancy
Description
Viral infections during pregnancy are associated with several negative pregnancy outcomes, including maternal and fetal death, pregnancy loss, premature labor, Intrauterine growth restriction, and congenital malformations. Due to physical and immunological barriers, it is not easy for viruses to transmit from mother to fetus however, some viruses such as cytomegalovirus can be transmitted through an unknown mechanism. Cytomegalovirus infection is the most common congenital infection worldwide, it can be reactivated from a previous infection, or infect the mother for the first time during pregnancy.
Symptoms
Usually, patients are asymptomatic. Symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Weakness
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Joint stiffness
- Rash
Only 10% of newborns have symptoms, which include:
- Rash
- Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes
- Small head
- Low birth weight
- Seizures
- Enlarged liver and spleen
Some babies may have long-term health problems such as vision, and hearing loss.
Visit a General Practice doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment, if any of these symptoms are present
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View MoreCauses
The cause of the disease transmission to a pregnant woman is getting in contact with the body fluids of an infected person especially children (ex: Saliva, urine, blood, semen).
Diagnostics
Laboratory tests:
- A blood sample is taken from the mother to detect if there are antibodies for the virus in the blood.
- If the mother tested positive, a sample from the fluid around the baby is taken to test for the presence of virus DNA to know if it was transferred to the fetus.
Treatment
Medications:
- There is no approved treatment for cytomegalovirus in pregnant women, but a medication called Valganciclovir was used in some trials.
- Oral Valganciclovir or Ganciclovir can be used to improve long-term negative outcomes in newborns.
- Termination of the pregnancy may be offered to the parents after explaining the case and future possibilities.
